Understanding visitor preferences: Perceived importance of anthropogenic and natural forest features in supplying cultural ecosystem services

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) provided by urban green infrastructure are essential for enhancing social well-being and resilience. Identifying and mapping CES at a local scale is crucial for informed land-use decisions that align with citizens' perceptions. However, research on ecosystem services in Romania has been limited, with a notable gap in the assessment of CES provided by urban green spaces. This study is the first to focus on Băneasa Forest, the only urban forest in Bucharest, which serves as a vital recreational area for thousands of residents and visitors. For the first time in Romania, this research uses a web-based Participatory GIS survey to collect spatially referenced data. The survey, which combines questionnaires and mapping exercises, allows us to produce high-resolution CES maps based on 816 responses. The results reveal that the forest's natural characteristics are perceived as the primary contributors to CES. These findings are valuable for urban planners, as they highlight the needs and expectations of forest visitors, promote conservation efforts, and foster collaboration to prevent conflicts. Alongside factors frequently discussed in the literature, such as age and accessibility, the percentage of green space in residents' neighborhoods emerges as a significant factor influencing CES preferences. This insight presents a novel contribution to the literature, being of particular importance for urban planners and policymakers, as it underscores the need to consider not just the green space within parks and forests, but also the broader context of surrounding neighborhoods when planning for CES. Understanding that the availability of nearby green space influences residents' CES preferences can guide more effective strategies to enhance access to CES in urban areas, both in Bucharest and elsewhere. This is especially relevant in the face of climate change and other emerging challenges, which are likely to increase the demand for CES in the future.